ORANGE PARK— For Debbie Berlin, it’s been nothing short of an emotional whirlwind following the release of her debut novel seven months ago.

New accolades, reviews and experiences continue to shine their way into her passion. And there’s no stopping anytime soon.

Berlin was recently selected as a finalist for the International Impact Book Awards' "Author of the Year." Since 2019, the prestigious platform has awarded 886 authors from around the world, elevating their voices and celebrating their impactful stories.

On Oct. 4, Berlin said she will be headed to Los Angeles for the annual Hollywood Grand Gala, where the winner will be announced live on stage.

She said it’s a testament to the extraordinary path that "The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor" has led her on so far.

“It’s nice, in a way, because it gives you more motivation to keep going forward,” she said.

As a general surgeon, she said writing has always been a side passion of hers. And when she’s not doing her day job, she’s always delving into new characters, storylines and ideas.

Her mystery/thriller novel takes readers into the parallel worlds of a professional assassin who gunned down a seemingly ordinary woman 12 years earlier and Sophie Allard, a promising jet pilot cadet at a prestigious military academy. The theme of the story is examining the consequences of every decision you make.

Since December, she said the book has sold hundreds of copies. And after applying for 60 awards, Berlin said she has placed in 48 of them so far, including BookFest, which provided the opportunity for her book to appear on a Times Square Billboard.  

Additionally, the book was also recently accepted into the Jacksonville Public Library.

Berlin said trading in her scrubs and surgical gloves for an elegant gown and heels, and gracing a red carpet, will be different, but she’s nonetheless looking forward to the experience.

Nominated in the Fiction – Young Adult Fantasy and Speculative Fiction category, “The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor” was chosen among hundreds of entries. In addition to recognition among peers, media and industry leaders, finalists in attendance will receive a certificate and an achievement medal.

Although Berlin said the extra stuff is just a bonus.

“Just to get the invitation [is] super exciting because I didn’t expect it...it's just an honor to be nominated, I truly feel that way,” she said.

Ahead of the ceremony, Berlin said the authors will enjoy a writing conference. She said she’s excited to soak up some more feedback, especially with the second book in the series on the way. She said it’s already outlined from beginning to end.

With a lot more in store for her characters, Berlin said readers can expect to embark on another journey of twists and turns.

But don’t expect it anytime soon. She said perfection takes time.

“[The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor] took five years before I felt that it was good enough for somebody else to read. So, I won’t release the second one until I’m at that comfort level…when it’s ready for the world, I will release it to the world,” she said.

Berlin hopes to make an even bigger impact with her sequel, and yes, joining the New York Times bestselling authors list is still a goal of hers. For her, being invited to the gala is just a step closer.

And whatever the outcome, she said she already feels like a winner.